Incentives and assistance
Sunshine Coast Council has dedicated client managers who provide free assistance with site selection, relocation advice, navigating planning and regulatory requirements and introduction to the local business community.
A single entry point to Sunshine Coast Council
- A personal interface with all council staff and connections with key federal and state government agencies to help with approvals
- Introductions, access to industry networks, potential suppliers, supply chain contacts, education and training providers
- International market information
- Access to a wide array of information online, including local success stories, programs available to local businesses and the latest in local industry news
Customised site selection assistance
- Preliminary analysis of potential site options.
- Site visits and contact with commercial agents
- Specialist relocation advice
Financial incentives
Available to eligible applicants to help speed up project timelines and help in offsetting certain expansion, establishment or relocation costs.
- Talk to a specialist for site selection assistance and relocation advice
- Ask for connections with government and industry bodies and access international market information
Sunshine Coast Council has developed a Business Investment Framework to secure targeted and suitable investment and reinvestment in the regional economy. The Business Investment Framework provides for a range of activities including a dedicated client manager in council for each investor and – for major investment proposals – potential access to an investment incentive scheme.
The Sunshine Coast Investment Incentive Scheme seeks to assist in diversifying the regional economy, creating a platform for sustained economic growth and encouraging the creation of employment opportunities for the region.
The scheme is intended to encourage business investment by helping offset various relocation / establishment costs. Offers of incentives are conditional, subject to contractual agreements and require regular reporting to council.
Eligibility for assistance under the Sunshine Coast Investment Incentive Scheme will be in accordance with specific criteria which include (but are not limited to), industry sector, number of employment opportunities created and proposed capital expenditure.
Business case development support
- Tailored information packages to help with investment decisions
- Access to economy.id, development.i
Data Connect
- Connections to local telco community
Testing Tech in Paradise
Sunshine Coast Council has ‘opened its doors’ to businesses looking to test and trial technology in a real world environment*.
The Maroochydore CBD’s digital infrastructure provides the ideal technology testbed, which is supported by the Sunshine Coast International Broadband Network, Queensland first direct international data and telecommunication connection to global markets.
This initiative, coined ‘Testing Tech in Paradise’ is a unique demonstration of how Sunshine Coast Council is proactively working with industry and business to drive innovation and support the Sunshine Coast innovation system.
Council has received good inquiry initial from innovators and the initiative will be fully developed over 2023.
*Subject to commercial arrangements
Businesses seeking to invest or reinvest in the region should first contact Alex Lever-Shaw the Head of Trade and Investment for an initial consultation with an Investment Facilitator and to confirm eligibility prior to making an application.
Sunshine Coast Council Tender Alert Service
Council uses the Queensland Government QTenders electronic tendering system.
You can subscribe to council’s tender alert service and be the first to know when a tender is advertised. Simply visit the Sunshine Coast Council website.
To obtain tender and expression of interest documents, please visit the QTenders website.
ASPIRE - Circular Economy
ASPIRE is a free online B2B tool for businesses with up to 100 staff who need to list unwanted waste streams and be connected to businesses who can use this input as a reuse.
As a business you can now trade, exchange or sell your unwanted waste with the ASPIRE program, reducing waste disposal costs and the amount of waste sent to landfill.
Visit the ASPIRE website and register via the login link. Once your account has been activated, you’ll receive an email with login details.
If you have any questions send an email to economicdevelopment@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au to connect with an Economic Development Officer
Understanding government support programs in Australia
The Australian and state and territory governments provide selected grants and support programs to assist investors of new and established businesses set up and run a business in Australia. The form of assistance available will vary by location, industry, and the nature of the business activity.
If you’re doing business in Australia, the Australian Government’s Business webpage provides a guided search to help you find grants, funding and support programs from across the government.
Whether your an established business or looking to expand or migrate to Queensland, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Queensland Government grants and assistance programs currently available.